Advice on Getting Back into Stalking and Field Spor& after open hearting surgery for the second time

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Covert

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As per title.
Looking for any advice or tips that moving forward. could be of use. In my new era.
Life long professional and now more recreational shot. Have all the kit Everneed for stalking ,game shootingsin the U K south and west Travel UK, Europe and the other side of the pond. Apologise for Grammer and Spellimg still in ITC on day 10.
 
My friend's dad was a shotgun shooter for 50 plus years and went through open heart surgery, it took him a while, but he managed to get back into shooting.
Retired from the sport now as this was a few years ago.
Good luck with your recovery, take it easy.
 
My dad had his open heart surgery last year and he’s doing well but it’s not a quick recovery, do all your rehab as directed and don’t rush.

You’ll be back shooting just might be a while.
 
Dickie said:
My dad had his open heart surgery last year and he’s doing well but it’s not a quick recovery, do all your rehab as directed and don’t rush.

You’ll be back shooting just might be a while.
Click to expand...
Thank you.
Had open heart surgery at 48 which was bad enough , having it done again at 60 with increasing age and KG seeming a lot harder , will take a as long as it takes.
 
Covert said:
Thank you.
Had open heart surgery at 48 which was bad enough , having it done again at 60 with increasing age and KG seeming a lot harder , will take a as long as it takes.
Click to expand...
Are you having a pacemaker fitted? If you are, ask them for the small one that’s fitted via femoral vein, it clips to your heart muscle so leaves shoulders free for shooting.
It’s expensive but that’s why we pay taxes.
 
I think you need to be guided by the medical professionals. Your situation is certainly not unique but is, perhaps, unusual. They may not be familiar with stalking and what it entails but see if you can get guidance on what you can do and when which relates to other activities - golf, birdwatching, hillwalking etc. You'll prob have to piece the bits together yourself and listen to how your body is feeling but don't rush - deer will still be here once you're fully recovered.

Best of luck with the recovery.
 
Take your time and don’t rush. You want to still be going out in 12,18, 24 and 48 months rather than getting out in 6 weeks and struggling to go again.

It’s one thing getting out to take the shot, it’s a whole other thing dragging, lifting etc. make sure you’re ready for the whole thing (or more sensibly, have other people on hand for those bits).

Tortoise and hare.

All the very best.
 
Mike L said:
Are you having a pacemaker fitted? If you are, ask them for the small one that’s fitted via femoral vein, it clips to your heart muscle so leaves shoulders free for shooting.
It’s expensive but that’s why we pay taxes.
Click to expand...
Thank you
Early days
Hopefully not thought.
 
Take it steady. Find a good physio to guide and build stamina slowly. Basic wounds heal within two or three weeks but it takes a few months before there is good strength.

But getting out into your happy place is very very good therapy. Find a good place to sit with a pair of binoculars and just spend time watching and enjoying nature.

Not open heart surgery, but I have been living with long COVID since I got COVID at the start of the pandemic. It utterly floored me. I could not walk for more than five minutes without needing to gasp for breath. Complete mental fog etc etc.
Long long slow recovery. I did an awful lot of just pottering about and finding nice trees to sit next too and see what appeared and to have a wee snooze and wake up a couple of hours later.

Catch and release stalking is an excellent sport. Just let a nice Roebuck come in close and just sit and watch it for a while. Then let him on his way. No need to carry a bangstick and none of the effort of trying to recover anything.
 
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Spend the money and time on your physical wellness - not kit / gear / toys etc

10 sessions with a physio / strength and conditioning coach is better then a carbon fibre rifle barrel for example -
You don’t need titanium ultra light scope mounts you need to be able to do a press up or two -

When you venture out - pick the right guide / outfitter etc - be honest about what you want to do and achieve.

And remember one step at a time - 1% improvement each day / week / month / year is better then none or pushing too hard and going back 5%.

All the best on your recovery
 
I had open heart surgery twice in 10 weeks in 2023, the main thing is getting your walking fitness back, this will probably take about 3 months and this will really loosen up your body after being immobile for so long.
Sleeping on your side is a good indicator on how your sternum is healing, with me it was about 6-8 weeks.
As long as you are shooting a rifle with a moderator recoil shouldn't be a problem, I use a 6.5x55 and I didn't notice the recoil after 12 weeks post surgery.
The only thing that did bother me was shooting prone, my chest really didn't like that for about a year.
Don't worry, you will get back out in the woods...
If you have any questions, just message me.
 
Thanks for all advice.
Not looking to upgrade kit etc, just plan on realistic in my expectations, never liked recoil, will Just make adjustments and enjoy every opportunity
 
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